The Gaming Giant Brings Onboard Apex Legends Producer to Boost Troubled Action Game Project Ethos

The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire text from the president's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Director of the team. Following a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years developing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all eager to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

The game does not have an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as creation continues.